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Originally Posted by ErikJohnson
Hey Faded—
Your introduction of Luther’s “Ninety-Five Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” on the thread as an alternative to discussing the Five Solas is interesting, but probably not that useful for our purpose. The 95 Theses weren’t intended as stand-alone points of doctrine (which becomes clear as you read through them). And while they address a number of related topics along the way—Luther’s unquestionable intent was to refute the practice selling “indulgences” to mitigate punishment in Purgatory. That, and to let the Pope know he needed to fix the problem posthaste!
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The 95 Theses is an example of the initial thoughts of one of the Reformers, Martin Luther. I think it would be fair to say that Martin Luther is probably the most admired Reformer among Latter Day Saints. The 95 Theses are essentially exactly as you characterized them: A beginning point. You're general statement that, "LDS thinking is more in agreement with Catholicism than Protestantism" is incorrect in this case and in many, many other cases. Frankly it is far to broad of a generalization. In these beginning Reformist thoughts, Latter Day Saints can find themselves more in agreement with Luther than not. Of course, that would put our point of view in direct opposition to Catholicsim of Luther's time.
Purgatory is an interesting topic of conversation. We agree that there is more going on than, "Heaven or Hell, Saved or Damned." However, we do not believe in Purgatory in the same sense Catholicism does.
I will repeat what I said before. On the majority of issues where Catholicism and Protestantism disagree, Catholicism is Option A and Protestantism is Option B. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Option C.
Our understanding of proxy work for the dead, Spirit Prison, and a number of other generalities can be pointed to as similarities if you please. If you take a closer look at each case, Catholic doctrine and LDS doctrine are vastly dis-similar to one another on such points. Common ground with Catholicism can be nice as a basis for dialogue, but it is based on extreme generalizations on certain topics.
Luther denouced the existence of Purgatory, and we would not disagree with him in that denunciation. But there is more to it than what Luther and the other Reformers concluded there was.
Protestantism all too often tended to throw the baby out with the bath water doctrinally. Often, there was a general concept that was right, but severely distorted. Protestantism threw the distorted version out and called it false doctrine. In so doing, they lost some things.
Erik, I did decide to play ball and offer up some reaction and discussion on the 5 Solas. Did you have any reactions to those thoughts?